Moldovan lawyers to be able to practice in EU after accession

Moldovan lawyers will have the right to practice in the member states of the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland, under fair and clear conditions, after the country's accession to the EU. European lawyers will be able to legally and transparently operate in the Republic of Moldova.

Today, the cabinet of ministers approved a draft law set up by the Ministry of Justice to amend the Law on Advocacy, in order to transpose European directives 98/5/EC and 77/249/EEC, which see the free movement of legal services within the community space.

The legislative reform is part of the commitments undertaken in the National Program for EU Accession 2025–2029 and aims to harmonize the legal framework for integrating the legal profession into the European legal space.

According to the new provisions, EU lawyers will be able to practice in the Republic of Moldova permanently under their home country professional titles or occasionally by providing specific services.

The rights will be applied on a reciprocity basis, meaning that Moldovan lawyers will also be able to work in EU member states, gaining extended access to the European market, the possibility of collaborating with international firms, and specializing in areas such as cross-border litigation, investment law, or commercial arbitration.

The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that the initiative will contribute to increased professional mobility, the modernization of the legal profession, and the consolidation of a more integrated European legal community.

The draft law was consulted with the Moldovan Bar Association. Additionally, the document was submitted for expertise to the National Anticorruption Center.